Socialist Party Wales Socialism In Wales
By John Williams (Cardiff Central Socialist Party)
Workers at Ofgem, the government energy regulator, members of PCS union, went on their second round of strike action between 29 September and 3 October, fighting for fair pay, job security and better agreements.
Pickets on the first day brought some good news! Due to the strike action they took in August, there’s been a key breakthrough on pay, and workers said the employer has agreed to protect the permanent pay system. The proposed agreement was on the table for weeks, it took strike action to get them to agree to it. This hasn’t gone unnoticed from the wider layer of Ofgem workers. Since the strike action, the branch has gained more than 100 new members. It’s clear the campaign has had an effect.
There’s still more that needs to be resolved. They’re still demanding job security, and proper industrial relations to make sure any changes affecting the workers will be carried out properly.
Socialist Party members and Cardiff Trades Council delegates supported pickets every day. On one day there was a flourish of support. A key organiser in UCU who works at Cardiff University stopped to offer solidarity. Then a rep from the local RMT branch walked by, and someone who works at the local Unison building!
